Crypto news

A New York resident who impersonated well-known crypto influencers has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. 39-year-old Noman Salim from Queens and Levittown was found guilty of orchestrating a fraudulent staking scheme via Telegram. In addition to the prison term, the judge imposed three years of supervised release.

How the Impersonation Scheme Worked

In 2020, Salim copied the username of a popular crypto influencer on Telegram and created a public channel that attracted thousands of subscribers. He then launched a paid VIP chat with a subscription fee of $500–$600 in cryptocurrency. Participants believed they were communicating directly with the real expert and paid for exclusive advice.

Later, the fraudster repeated the trick with a second influencer's username, expanding his audience. He offered victims staking with fixed returns for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days, promising higher payouts for larger deposits. However, Salim never actually placed the funds in staking — all promises were fictitious.

Money and Verdict

Victims transferred cryptocurrency to wallets controlled by Salim. Once he received the assets, he cut off communication and disappeared. According to the investigation, the scheme generated at least $1.4 million in cryptocurrency and fiat. Salim returned most of this amount to the state as part of a plea deal.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow. Salim pleaded guilty in September 2025. This case is part of a growing wave of scams exploiting trust in well-known figures on social media. Authorities continue to actively pursue criminals hiding behind anonymous crypto wallets.

Expert Commentary: This case is a stark reminder that even in 2025, investor gullibility remains the main trump card for scammers. Staking schemes promising "guaranteed returns" are a classic red flag. Always verify an influencer's identity through official channels and remember: if an offer sounds too good to be true, it almost always is a trap.